Romans 8
BSB1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. 23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Study Notes — Romans 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Romans 8
- Themes from Romans 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Romans 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Romans 8 begins by declaring that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, as they have been set free from the law of sin and death through the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:1-2). The chapter then discusses the mindsets of the flesh and the Spirit, noting that the flesh is hostile to God and cannot please Him, while those who are in the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:5-13). It introduces the concept of adoption as sons, where believers receive the Spirit of adoption, by whom they cry out to God as their Father (Romans 8:14-17). The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in believers, as all creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:18-25). The chapter concludes with the assurance that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, and that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ (Romans 8:26-39).
Context for the Chapter
Romans 8 is part of the larger argument of the book of Romans, which aims to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ and its implications for believers. Following the explanation of justification by faith in chapters 3-5 and the discussion of sanctification in chapter 6 and the first part of chapter 7, Romans 8 explores the life of a believer in the Spirit. This chapter is crucial for understanding the practical outworking of salvation in the life of a Christian and fits into the broader narrative of the Bible by highlighting God's plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
The truths of Romans 8 should lead believers to a deeper trust in God's love and care for them, despite the challenges they face. It should encourage them to live in the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body and living according to God's will. This chapter's emphasis on the assurance of salvation and the role of the Holy Spirit should bring comfort and strength to believers, enabling them to persevere in their faith.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Romans 8 teaches that believers in Jesus Christ are free from condemnation and have been given the Holy Spirit to live a new life. This life is characterized by living according to the Spirit, not the flesh, and is marked by adoption as sons of God. Despite current sufferings, believers look forward to a future glory and are assured that nothing can separate them from God's love, as seen in Romans 8:1 and Romans 8:35.
Voices from the Church
“The Spirit of God is the Spirit of adoption. Where the Spirit of God is, there is the cry of "Abba, Father".”
— Charles Spurgeon
“For the Spirit, whom the Lord has given us, is a Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, Abba, Father.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: No Condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1-4) — Believers are free from condemnation through Christ Jesus and have been set free from the law of sin and death by the law of the Spirit of life.
- The Mind of the Flesh and the Spirit (Romans 8:5-13) — The chapter contrasts the mindset of the flesh, which is hostile to God, with the mindset of the Spirit, which is life and peace.
- Sons of God (Romans 8:14-17) — Believers are introduced as sons of God, having received the Spirit of adoption, by whom they cry out to God as their Father.
- Suffering and Future Glory (Romans 8:18-25) — The present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in believers, as all creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
- Assurance of Salvation (Romans 8:26-39) — The chapter concludes with the assurance that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, and nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ.
Core Doctrines
- Justification
- Romans 8:1 teaches that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the legal standing of believers before God.
- Sanctification
- The chapter discusses the process of sanctification, where believers live according to the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body.
- Adoption
- Believers are adopted as sons of God, receiving the Spirit of adoption, which enables them to cry out to God as their Father.
- Assurance of Salvation
- Romans 8 provides strong assurances of salvation, emphasizing that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ and that God works all things together for their good.
Lessons from Romans 8
- The Spirit Enables Obedience — The Holy Spirit empowers believers to obey God's commands and live a life pleasing to Him.
- Suffering is Not in Vain — The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in believers.
- Assurance in God's Love — Believers can have confidence in God's love for them, knowing that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ.
- Living as Sons of God — As adopted sons of God, believers should live in a manner that reflects their new identity and relationship with God.
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Themes from Romans 8
- Life in the Spirit — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living according to the Spirit, which is life and peace.
- Assurance of Salvation — Believers are given strong assurances of their salvation and God's love for them.
- Suffering and Glory — The present sufferings are contrasted with the future glory that will be revealed in believers.
- Adoption as Sons of God — Believers are adopted as sons of God, receiving the Spirit of adoption.
- God's Sovereignty — God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to live according to the flesh versus living according to the Spirit, and how can you apply this distinction in your daily life?
- How does the concept of adoption as sons of God impact your understanding of your relationship with God?
- In what ways do the sufferings of this present time affect your faith, and how does the promise of future glory encourage you?
- What assurance does Romans 8:28-30 give you regarding God's sovereignty and care in your life?
- How does the love of Christ, as described in Romans 8:35-39, comfort and strengthen you in the face of challenges?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: No Condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1-4)
| 8:1 | Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. |
| 8:2 | For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. |
2. The Mind of the Flesh and the Spirit (Romans 8:5-13)
| 8:5 | For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. |
| 8:6 | For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. |
3. Sons of God (Romans 8:14-17)
| 8:14 | For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. |
| 8:15 | For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" |
4. Suffering and Future Glory (Romans 8:18-25)
| 8:18 | For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. |
| 8:19 | For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. |
5. Assurance of Salvation (Romans 8:26-39)
| 8:26 | In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. |
| 8:28 | And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to live according to the flesh?
Living according to the flesh means to pursue one's sinful desires and live in opposition to God's will, as described in Romans 8:5-8. It is a mindset that is hostile to God and cannot please Him.
How can believers be assured of their salvation?
Believers can be assured of their salvation because God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, as stated in Romans 8:28. Additionally, nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ, as emphasized in Romans 8:35-39.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?
The Holy Spirit enables believers to live according to God's will, empowers them to obey God's commands, and provides them with the assurance of their adoption as sons of God, as seen in Romans 8:14-17 and Romans 8:26-27.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 8:1 → John 3:18 | Both passages discuss the concept of condemnation, with John 3:18 noting that whoever believes in Jesus is not condemned, and Romans 8:1 stating there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. |
| 2 | Romans 8:2 → Galatians 5:16-18 | Both passages contrast the law of the Spirit with the law of sin and death, emphasizing the role of the Spirit in enabling believers to live a life pleasing to God. |
| 3 | Romans 8:5 → Galatians 5:19-21 | Both passages discuss the mindsets of the flesh and the Spirit, contrasting the desires and actions of those who live according to the flesh with those who live according to the Spirit. |
| 4 | Romans 8:14 → 2 Corinthians 6:18 | Both passages discuss the concept of adoption as sons of God, with 2 Corinthians 6:18 quoting the Old Testament promise that believers will be sons and daughters of God. |
| 5 | Romans 8:18 → 2 Corinthians 4:17 | Both passages discuss the sufferings of this present time in comparison to the glory that will be revealed, emphasizing that the present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the future glory. |
| 6 | Romans 8:26 → Hebrews 4:15-16 | Both passages emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ in interceding for believers and helping them in their weaknesses. |
| 7 | Romans 8:28 → Genesis 50:20 | Both passages discuss the concept of God working all things together for good, with Genesis 50:20 noting Joseph's statement that God meant it for good, and Romans 8:28 stating that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. |
| 8 | Romans 8:35 → Psalm 44:22 | Both passages discuss the concept of being separated from the love of God, with Psalm 44:22 noting that even in death, believers are not separated from God's love, and Romans 8:35 stating that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. |
| 9 | Romans 8:38-39 → Psalm 139:7-10 | Both passages emphasize the omnipresence of God and the impossibility of being separated from His love, with Psalm 139:7-10 discussing God's presence in all places and Romans 8:38-39 concluding that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. |
| 10 | Romans 8:39 → Isaiah 54:10 | Both passages discuss the unshakeable nature of God's love and covenant, with Isaiah 54:10 noting the everlasting covenant of peace and Romans 8:39 concluding that nothing can separate believers from the love of Christ. |
Sermons on Romans 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Receiving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker, Pastor Dave, shares a story about a farmer who toiled his whole life on a rocky piece of land, only to die in poverty and discouragement. However, afte |
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(1 Peter - Part 15): The Precious Blood, Our Only Hope by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men who are stranded in a cold and dangerous mountainous area. They realize that their only hope of survival is to start a fire. |
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |
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(1 Peter - Part 27): Who Is He That Will Harm You? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher describes the physical deterioration of a man who is nearing death. Despite his weakened state, the preacher emphasizes that the devil and death cannot |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |
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(The Glory of God) in Ministering to the Lord by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Romans and its significance in understanding the Christian life. He emphasizes the faithfulness of God and how He fulfills all Hi |
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Enjoying God's Grace - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own spiritual journey and cannot rely on a set of rules to save them. They explain that when Je |
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God Uses Foolish Things by Jackie Pullinger | In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of scoring a three, two, and four in a specific process. They mention the idea of a snow-covered holiday and walking on snow. Th |
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God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 3 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Brother Ravenhill, engages in a conversation with a man named Brother Singh about the procedure in his church service. Brother Singh describ |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Romans 8
Matthew Henry's commentary on Romans 8 highlights the contrast between the life lived according to the flesh and the life lived in the Spirit. He emphasizes that those in Christ Jesus are free from condemnation and have been set free from the law of sin and death. The chapter, according to Henry, teaches believers to live in the Spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body, and to trust in God's sovereignty and love, knowing that all things work together for their good. He also notes the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in adoption, intercession, and the assurance of salvation. Ultimately, Henry sees Romans 8 as a source of comfort and strength for believers, reminding them of their secure position in Christ and the glorious future that awaits them. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Contrast Between Flesh and Spirit
The chapter clearly contrasts the mindset and actions of those who live according to the flesh with those who live according to the Spirit, highlighting the opposition between these two ways of living. This contrast emphasizes the spiritual battle within believers and the necessity of living in the Spirit.
Assurance of Salvation
Throughout the chapter, there is a strong emphasis on the assurance of salvation for believers. Despite sufferings and the challenges of living in a fallen world, believers can be confident in their standing before God and in their future glory.
Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the agent of God's work in believers, enabling them to live according to God's will, ensuring their salvation, and providing them with the assurance of their adoption as sons of God.